Rowers set course for offshore races
ROWERS from all over Ireland will be competing around the Hook Peninsula this Saturday in the first offshore rowing competition in the south east this year.
Hosted by St Kearns Rowing Club, the race involves a flying start, rowing along the coast and out into the sea with four to six turns in a race – so there’s plenty for spectators to enjoy.
Peter Mullan, Chair of St Kearns Rowing Club, said offshore rowing is the action-packed, extreme sport version of rowing and not for the faint hearted.
Offshore rowers are the thrill seekers of the rowing world and feel right at home in rough water and challenging sea conditions. But safety is still paramount. Crews must be aware of tides and currents, the course’s topography and know what to do in the midst of maritime traffic and bad weather – and everyone on the water wears a life-jacket.
‘Rowing is a fantastic and inclusive sport. People of all ages are part of our rowing club and we’re really looking forward to getting back on the water this season. We are honoured to be able to start our rowing season in style with this Offshore Rowing Competition. It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to show off the amazing coastline that we have on our doorstep. St. Kearns Rowing Club are delighted to be hosting this event and we hope that everyone, competitors and spectators, will have a great time.’
Offshore rowing is one of the fastest growing communities of sport in the country. Just over three years ago, there were around 20 offshore boats in the country, now there are over 100 offshore boats in Ireland across almost 30 clubs. St Kearns Rowing Club have joined these ranks and are looking forward to delivery of their first brand new offshore boat, a coxed quad.
The races will take place in the Hall Bay beside Loftus Hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and with the café and the Walled Garden, there’s plenty to see and do around Loftus Hall in between races.
Loftus Hall owner Aidan Quigley said: ‘We are delighted this event is taking place in Hall Bay. With its dramatic past Loftus Hall is the perfect backdrop for the first offshore racing event in the south east. We hope that people will come along and enjoy the event, take in the spectacular views and soak up the dramatic atmosphere both here in Loftus Hall, and on the water.’
If you would like to give rowing a go, whether the adrenaline-pumping offshore rowing, the evening training sessions during the week or the more sedate Sunday leisure rows, get in touch with St Kearns Rowing Club via their Facebook page.